Plans to dig 30m sewer-crater in park are causing a stink

A petition was launched today against Thames Water's plan to dig a 30m-wide crater for a sewer in a west London park.

Hammersmith & Fulham council is opposing the "super-sewer" project saying the cost, eight years of construction and loss of open space outweigh any benefits.

It has launched an online petition and is planning to hold a public meeting in October.

Construction of the 20-mile tunnel could see the crater being dug in Ravenscourt Park or Furnivall Gardens.

In addition there would be five other smaller connecting shafts in the borough, each 10mwide.

Council leader Stephen Greenhalgh said: "While I don't want to see raw sewage at all in the Thames, this benefit needs to be considered against the much greater environmental impact of eight years of major construction."

The Government wants Thames Water to build the tunnel so it won't have to pay EU fines for water pollution. The £2.5 billion cost is likely to be paid for by Thames Water customers, with bills rising by as much as £200.

A spokesman for Thames Water said plans were at an early stage.